So, DesignCritique contest really lifted off with some insanely cool designs. This contest says a lot about the community and their design skills. I see some really interesting trends that I'll point out when the winner is announced but designers on dA are simply outstanding.

This is crazy, dA is practically under attack. Please watch out for those 'CLICK HERE' comments and learn more of what's going on here: news.deviantart.com/article/70…

I was aware of this happening but even I got caught because I didn't clearly understand that whatever is exploiting the system can use the usernames of legit users apparently. I usually recognize spammers by lack of avatar or too many links in signature.

The point is, your closest buddy on dA can post this link on your page so at this point, anything that says 'CLICK HERE' should be reported.

MORE ENTRIES PLEASE!

Stopping into say that it's weekend and I'm sure some of you can spare some time to take part in Design Critique contest. I'd like the contest to be highly competitive to make my decision a whole lot harder or easier.

To those taking part, I left comment on each of the entries so far: news.deviantart.com/article/69…. You can reach through these critiques and probably gain some insights as to what direction to take. It could help.

BETA TESTDC is nearing private beta stage so I'm looking for designers to submit their work and use the site. When a bug is found, simply report it, if something can be better in terms of UI, make your suggestion, etc. It really involves anything that improves the usability and functionality of the website. Design critiques is out of the equation at this phase.

If you're interested, please drop a line here and I'll be sure to contact you once we've hit that stage (which should be soon).

Second Request:So you're not a twitter fan, you hate it and think it's stupid. That's fine. But since dA now allows you to plug twitter into your profile, why waste the feature (though I think it's for subscribers only)? If you have access to the twitter plugin on dA, don't waste it, you're paying for it. Simply plug in 'designcritque' and let the tweets roll out on your page. What do you know, added content for your profile.

Third Request: Damn it, I'm getting old. I can't remember.Oh! If you're on twitter, a huge fan and enjoy tweeting, then note me if you're interested in participating in the project. I'll provide you with an account where you can login and post ANYTHING design related on the account.

If you do any of these requests, drop a line.That's it and as always, thanks for reading.

GauchotextsThis is a project I've been working on for almost a year, a project so big it involved the likes of arpad and janvanlysebettens. The site is now in private beta and I'm sure there's much work to be done so if you guys are interested in checking it out, give some feedback, sign-up for invite. If you REALLY want to see it bad, contact me directly for invite with your email.

For this project, I've handled every aspect of the project. From branding to project management to internet marketing. Here's a project you hope is a success because of the role you play. Any failure means i share the responsibility and vice versa. I have no doubt this will be the next big thing.

My First VideoAfter working on Gauchotexts, we had to put together a promo video and I had to step up to the plate. So I present to you:www.flickr.com/photos/dmadray/…. I worked with an animator (SophieMotion) for the animation. Turns out there's more to a motion piece than just effects and animation so I had to help the script, storyboard, sound effects and overall creative direction. It was my best project for 2008 because I NEVER did something like this before and the experience gained is priceless.

Today we released DesignersBlock Edition 20 which comprises of inspirations inside and outside deviantART. I think it's the best edition so far because it's showing sites that's online and a bit of resource as well. One of the best to date:news.deviantart.com/article/67…

Firstly, my apologies for now wishing you guys happy holidays and hopefully it's not too late to wish you all the best for 2009.

I also thank those who stopped by to wish me all the best, you guys are rock stars.

The reason I've been so out of zone and trust me I was is because I'm back in Guyana and the connection is beyond shitty. On top of all that I had to be working through the holidays. I took a few days off, literally and I played a lot of XBOX. It was a great holiday but I'm also dealing with much uncertainty in my life. 2009 will be a defining year as 2008 was. I know I'm not updating much and that really means I'm insanely busy. You'll see work from me though.

My focus on projects have shifted and I'm really trying to push myself in what I can accomplish. Designers'Couch for example is trying to weather difficult times but it's coming guys. The closer it gets to releasing the more nervous I get because it's something for designers and we can be so damn picky. I'm also worried about failing. But they say, "no guts, no glory".

I'm doing a lot and keeping busy but I haven't set any goals for 2009 but if I had any advice I'd tell you guys to set goals. Of all the goals I set, I accomplished 90% of it which is damn good if I may say so myself. Also try writing it down, it's even more effective then.

Once again though, I wish you guys all the best and if ANYONE needs help or assistance in anything that I can help with, do let me know.

Seems like I've been tied up on many worthy causes but this one is a nice change. I'd like all your design savvy people to head on over to designerscouch and take part in the DbD meets DC contest. Go on, check it out, I'll wait...

More important, check out the new splash page, it's much nicer I think and you can subscribe to get updated when launched: designerscouch.org. Why subscribe there when you've got me here? Well, I'll randomly select people from the list to invite in beta which I wouldn't do through my account here on dA.

Members of DC on dA will be the only people I randomly selected so if you aren't an accepted member of DC yet, this is for you.

hmmm... what else to talk about?

Oh yea! Thanks to all those who stopped by wishing me happy birthday. I was so surprised I had to ask a few people how they remember because I never remember birthdays, including my own. I remember when all those forums that I joined years ago start emailing birthday messages and when my mom and fiance keeps asking what do I want for it.

So yea, it wasn't the best birthday but it was nice and quiet. I got a new iPhone 3G for my bday so sweeeet! I don't like using the word 'anal' but I think it describes Apple perfectly. You pay $200 for the phone but you're not allowed to do with it what you like. If anyone knows a theming application for LOCKED iphone, please do tell.

I wanted to take time out to introduce DA's new Gallery Director, NunoDias. He seems quite excited, anxious about the position and will definitely whip the gallery into fine shape. I've already passed some words of wisdom and am currently helping him get settled, I think.

One important thing to note is that NunoDias will be taking the lead on the project I started a while back called, designersBLOCK. I'm still involved but he's managing it and looking for other designers to get involved on dA. I just can't do that, designers'couch and depthskins at the same time.

In addition to that, check out the new articles:Amazing Packaging DesignsBiggest Naming Blunders

Have you played 'Gears of War', of so, the sequel is simply mind blowing. I bought it yesterday, finished it today. The game play is just phenomenal, it's exciting and all out war. I know the game was shaping up for a prequel but I found the ending a bit disappointing. It doesn't leave me exciting for Gears3 and that's a major flaw on EPIC's end. Great storytellers leave you wanting more.

I got a tip to wait out the credit for some hints at the prequel only to be further disappointed.

But man, if you want a game that's pure fun, a game that you just shoot the hell out of your enemies until their bones are grinding, this game is it. Aside from all that, the visual effects are great, the movie scenes are spectacular and the story is great.

I do think it was a bit redundant to Gears 1 but the end scenes were much fun.Love this game. It's one of Microsoft's best but because I judge games from storyline, I doesn't reach the merit of Halo quite yet.

Go out and get this if you're an action junkie. Any suggestions on any new games for 360?

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know America has elected it's 44th president, an African American, making it history. However, this day is not just historic to America but the entire world given the fact that America is a superpower. Also, it is a proud example set by the US which shows their country at least is moving past racism.

If the Americans can do it, a country locked in civil war only half a century ago then other countries have no excuse. The rest of the world can follow this example and hopefully make racism something of the past.

This moment is especially emotional to African Americans because most thought it would never come. President Elect Obama has raised the bar for black people around the world. Being a rapper is no longer the ultimate reach for black people because now we know, we capable of so much more. He has set an example that will stand through out time. In my opinion, Barak Obama has not just accomplished presidency but he's now a hero for a group of people.

President Elect Barak Obama has won and in the future, his campaign will be used as a case study not just for future president but for people in marketing. He truly harnesses the power of the internet and social media. He's made brilliant moves such as the 30 min infomercial making one last plea. Despite the fact that he ran a remarkable campaign, President Elect Obama was chosen mainly because Americans want change and so does the rest of the world.

If you watched his acceptance speech, you would see that Obama is not exactly ecstatic. The reason for that is when you actually sit and think of the tasks ahead, they are enormous and much is expected of him.

Today, I am proud. Today I join the rest of the world celebrating this historic day.

However, more importantly, here's the challenge:Add designcritique on twitter. Design Critique is managed by me and hopefully will become a cool project. What I do is submit a critique within the 140 character limit and dare watches to chime in with their critique.

I'm telling you, it's hard to do.

The upside is that it'll keep your brain sharp with those design elements and principles. Also it's a source of great inspiration as I'll be pulling stuff from all over the web.

Today I had a meeting with the first official sponsor of Designers' Couch. I'm not going to say much about who it is as yet but with the help of our sponsor(s), DC is going mainstream. I'm truly excited.

As the preview I posted the other day suggested, we've now completed 50% of site development. 50% only includes design, UI Development and QA. The next phases is working with developers to bring this to life. However, it'll take at least another 2 months (minus the weekends and holidays) before we can even hit beta simply because DC has so much features.

DC isn't even live but the state of the economy affects us because it affects our sponsor. However, DC is launching at a time when there's great need for something such as this (yes, people, it offers a little more than behance and deviantart).

With all that said, this is an unofficial update on my journal here for those who watches me. Keep yours eyes open and I hope DC supporters get excited by this bit of news.

I'm also posting this to remove the negative vibe here on my journal and replace with positive ones.Thanks all.

I'm not normally caught up in this thing they call dArama but really, when someone accuses me of stealing their design, I think that's pushing it a little beyond dArama. And as such, deserves an equally insulting response.

Now this member on dA who took part in my contest I ran earlier this year is accusing me of stealing his idea for my website.

2. The fact that my contest was held in June and I released my website earlier 2008 would lead him to believe that I got it from him.

Obviously this guy has got his shit screwed up. Why, this may be off topic but the guy think I'm responsible for dA logo project. How can you be a member of dA and think I'm part of dA creative team or responsible for the logo? He claims he's helping me with it. This alone shows poor judgment and evidence of disillusion.

One thing I do know, I don't have to explain shit to some immature individual on dA but when it comes to my reputation, I'm going to defend it, hence the journal.

I was working on this concept since around May 2007. Now here are a few people ANYONE can contact and ask when I was working on this project and at what time I showed them first concepts. Of course those that don't contact are those who it doesn't matter to or those who doesn't want to hear the truth.

Khadija Benn (she'd probably be bias but it's still another person for my case)George Marez (who worked with me from start on this, he even saw the previous concepts)Cris Vector (who saw the very first concept I did and gave some feedbacks)Mindfuckx (can talk about when he was giving comments on the live version)Andreas Wannerstedt (www.andreaswannerstedt.se)(developer who could say when I first showed him the concept)Joao Franco (Logo designer who saw the concept when I first did it, gave his comments)Razzy (Classmate who saw me working on this concept)Yves Bernier (Classmate who saw me working on this concept)

These people would tell you that I've been working on the concept since before I first posted my contest. The reason the site took so long is because of development. Again, it goes to show that this individual knows nothing of design. He simply thinks that a site takes 6 months to launch with no understanding of the complex task of actionscripting, quality control and design production. He simply has no understanding that these tasks take much time. On to top it all off, developers who delay on your project.

Now, let's get one thing straight, if his design inspired me, could someone tell me WHY I'd deny that? Great designers take inspiration from all corners. Do be a designer and deny that something inspires you is just being in denial. The point I'm making is that no, it didn't inspire me but I was inspired by other works and NONE of them are on dA.

The other point that I have to make is that the idea is NOT original, in fact, I've seen tons of design other there that's quite similar to mind (unfortunately). With that said, I fail to understand why he's acting as if he trademarked his idea. If you check his design and my website, you'd see that it's oceans apart in terms of execution.

Bottomline is this: Despite what anyone thinks, the idea didn't come from a cheap piece of graphic on dA. Any good designer know they have to look at the stars for inspiration. However, even if it did come from his work, I would have given him his 5 mins of glory since it seems to be such a major milestone in his life.

The site that truly inspired depthskins.net concept is www.2advanced.net among a few others on thefwa.com

That's my defense and me clearing up the BS going around on dA about me. Now after this, all the 10 year olds can keep complaining. I really don't give a shit! That's the end of my dArama 2008.

So, Ryan has just made the logo that's been hidden around the site official. Weeks ago, many mentioned that they don't like the logo. Personally, I like it but I know a lot of people aren't liking those lines. Anyway, I admire dA for giving designers on dA the challenge of bettering it so for those that don't like, you have the opportunity to better it, win $2500 and be in dA hall of fame.

However, there's one thing I want to let designers know as I see people submitting.

Ryan and his team explained the story, ideas and process behind their concept. So I want to let you guys know it's only fair you do the same. DO NOT submit your work with just, "here it is, for dA contest". One thing I know for sure is that the CD for dA is not going to choose a logo without story, ideas, process and deeper thinking because that's what it takes to better theirs, not just a pretty symbol or one that's cool.

As a creative, your job is to more than create but to communicate. Let Ryan and his team know what's behind your concept and that'll increase your chances.

That's all. Too bad I'm not a logo designer but it so happens I've worked as CD behind the identity of some promising start-up companies so if anyone wants my 2cents on how to improve their concept, I'm happy to give.

Happy Designing!

Check out the articles posted this week which includes some teasers in projects I'm working on. Here's the 2 you should read.

Is anyone in the Toronto area attending Design Thinkers? If so, I'm looking for a partner in crime. I have a very small design network within Toronto and I'm looking to expand hence me even considering paying $300 for a conference.

If you guys are saying, "that's crazy", well... it is. But in this life, you need to master 'Networking'. It's not who you know but who knows you.

So, anyone, anyone? Shoot me an email.

Check out the articles posted this week which includes some teasers in projects I'm working on. Here's the 2 you should read.

Quotes on Value of Design

A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

Antoine De Saint-Exupery

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I didn’t get into design to be an artist. To me, an artist creates things to evoke emotion. Being a designer goes a step further than that, not only trying to evoke emotion but trying to make a reaction. It is very objective-driven, and that’s what makes it interesting.

Mike Davidson

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Creative people should be sales people because design is a function of selling.

Duan Coetzee

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Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.

Steve Jobs

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Good design is the most important way to differentiate ourselves from our competitors.

Yun Jong Yong

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Your products run for election every day and good design is critical to winning the campaign.

Procter & Gamble

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Design adds value faster than it adds cost.

Joel Spolsky

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Great design will not sell an inferior product, but it will enable a great product to achieve its maximum potential.

Thomas Watson Jr.

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Design is art optimized to meet objectives.

Shimon Shmueli

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Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a particular purpose.

Charles Eames

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Design is more than meets the eye. Design is about communicating benefits. Design is not about designers. Design is not an ocean it’s a fishbowl. Design is creating something you believe in.

Chuck Green

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Design is communication. Great design is rational. Rational design is filtered communication.

Thierry Loa

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What works good is better than what looks good. Because what works good lasts.

Ray Eames

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Design is the bridge that brings the business strategy to life. It can build intangible brand value for a business, so the business is worth more. We all know that the intangible brand value of Coke far outweighs the value of its tangible assets.

Geoff Suvalko

~•~

Design is that competitive advantage that sets a company apart in the global market. Within the global economy, the highest performing companies see design as a strategic asset. It becomes the core to their businesses. For those companies, design is more than aesthetics—it’s competitive intellectual property.

Monika Conway

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Good design is good business.

Thomas Watson, Jr.

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Design has allowed us to stand out; to look different and show that difference boldly.

Joe Mansueto

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Design, in the end, is about creating better things for people. Along the way, it can generate better profits as well.